2013年-世界发展银行全球_Sierra_Leone___Social_Protection_Assessment_177页_2mb

Social Protection Assessment of Sierra Leone

Core Content

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the social protection system in Sierra Leone, focusing on risks, vulnerabilities, and existing programs aimed at addressing them. It also outlines recommendations for strengthening the system to ensure inclusivity, resilience, and equity.

Main Risks and Vulnerable Groups

Poverty and Food Insecurity

• Sierra Leone's population of 5.9 million in 2011 is relatively young, with 44% under 15 years old.
• The country is among the poorest in the world, ranked 158th out of 169 countries in the 2010 UNDP Human Development Index.
• Poverty headcount decreased from 66% in 2003 to an estimated 53% in 2011, but over half the population remains poor.
• Food insecurity is highly seasonal, peaking in June to August, with 45% of households (2.5 million people) food-insecure during the lean season.
• 374,000 people (6.5% of the population) are severely food-insecure.
• The poorest households, often involved in agriculture, petty trade, and unskilled labor, are most affected.

Social and Economic Risks

• Risks include economic shocks, social instability, natural disasters, and household conditions.
• Vulnerable groups include children under 5, youth aged 15–35, and the elderly.

Key Programs and Policies

0 to 5 Year Olds

• Main Risks: Low birth weight, malnutrition, lack of early stimulation, and diseases like malaria.
• Programs:
  • Free Health Care Initiative (FHCI): Provides free healthcare to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under 5.
  • Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM): Implemented with support from DFID, EU, and UNICEF.
  • Supplementary Feeding Programs: Supported by the World Food Programme (WFP).
  • Child Birth Registration Program: Implemented by MOHS and local councils with UNICEF support.

6-17 Year Olds

• Main Risks: Low school enrollment, child labor, and lack of nearby schools.
• Programs:
  • Decentralized Service Delivery Program (DSDP): Supports local councils in implementing education devolved functions.
  • School Feeding Program: Implemented by MEST with WFP support.
  • Girl Child Support Program: Provides tuition waivers to increase enrollment and retention of girls in junior secondary schools.
  • Diets for Approved Schools and Remand Homes Program: Implemented by MSWGCA.
  • National Street and Other Vulnerable Kids Program: Aims to remove children from the streets in urban centers.

18-35 Year Olds

• Main Risks: Lack of education and skills, unemployment, and underemployment.
• Programs:
  • Cash-for-Work Programs: Implemented by the World Bank (2009–2010).
  • Support to Food Security Project: Supported by UNDP (2004–2009).
  • Employment Promotion Program: Supported by GTZ (2006–2010).
  • Youth Employment Support Project (YESP): Currently supported by the World Bank (2011–2013).

Assessment of the Social Protection System

Spending

• Social sector spending in Sierra Leone is relatively low compared to international benchmarks.
• In 2011, social protection spending accounted for about 0.7% of GDP.
• Spending is distributed unevenly across age groups, with higher allocations to children under 5 and the elderly.

Program Coverage, Gaps, and Overlaps

• There are significant gaps in program coverage, especially for vulnerable groups like orphans and children with disabilities.
• Overlaps exist between different programs, leading to inefficiencies.

Generosity and Targeting

• Social assistance programs are generally not generous enough to lift people out of poverty.
• Targeting mechanisms are weak, with limited efficiency in identifying and reaching the most vulnerable.

Cost-Effectiveness

• Many programs are not cost-effective, with high administrative costs and low impact on poverty reduction.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Monitoring and evaluation systems are underdeveloped, leading to poor data collection and program effectiveness.

Institutional Arrangements

• Institutional coordination is lacking, and there is a need for a centralized platform to manage social protection programs.
• The National Social Protection Authority (NSPA) is a key institution, but its role and capacity are limited.

Recommendations

Proposed Strategy

• Develop a Minimum Integrated Social Protection System (MISP) to address the most pressing risks.
• Include the following components:
  • Targeted Social Pension: For the elderly.
  • Labor-intensive Public Works Program: To provide employment opportunities.
  • Transfers to Very Poor Families with Children: To support families in need.
  • Rationalizing and Strengthening Existing Provisions: To improve efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Reforming Social Security: To enhance coverage and generosity.

New Operational Platform

• Establish a Unified Beneficiary Registry to improve targeting and reduce overlaps.
• Develop Grievances and Appeal Mechanisms to ensure accountability.
• Implement Monitoring and Evaluation Systems to track program performance.
• Build a Management Information System (MIS) to support data collection and analysis.

Institutional Arrangements

• Improve coordination between government agencies and donor partners.
• Enhance governance and accountability mechanisms.
• Promote good governance and efficient program design and delivery.

Key Findings and Implications

• Poverty Reduction: While poverty has decreased since 2003, it remains a significant challenge.
• Food Insecurity: Seasonal and severe, affecting a large portion of the population.
• Education Challenges: Low enrollment, especially for girls in secondary education, and poor quality of education.
• Health Services: Limited access and utilization, with high rates of unmet health needs.
• Youth Employment: A critical issue, with many youths unemployed or underemployed.
• Social Protection System: Needs to be more integrated, targeted, and efficient to effectively address poverty and vulnerability.

Conclusion

This assessment underscores the importance of developing a comprehensive and integrated social protection system in Sierra Leone. It highlights the need for a more strategic approach, improved institutional arrangements, and stronger monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure that social protection programs are effective, equitable, and sustainable. The report also emphasizes the role of the government in leading this process, with support from international partners and local stakeholders.